Delaware County GOP leaders endorse O’Brien in 12th District race

On Jan. 9, Auditor of State Dave Yost announced his endorsement of Carol O’Brien for Congress.

“No one is tougher than Prosecutor Carol O’Brien,” Yost said. “No one has fought harder, or done more for the people of Delaware County than Carol. Carol has my full support as she runs to become the next US Representative for Ohio’s 12th Congressional District. Carol has spent her career taking on—and winning—tough cases, and she has the tenacity, skill and courage to go against the DC norm and stand up for her constituents.”

Carol O’Brien is running to replace Congressman Pat Tiberi, who is resigning his seat early, and will be on the primary ballot in May 2018. Auditor Yost’s endorsement adds to O’Brien’s growing list of supporters, which already includes Delaware County Sheriff Russ Martin, and Delaware County Commissioners Barb Lewis and Jeff Benton.

“I am honored to receive Auditor Yost’s endorsement,” said O’Brien. “Since we have worked together, we have both shared the same passion for the law, the Constitution, and standing up for the people who trust us to represent them.”

Delaware County Prosecutor Carol O’Brien has received endorsements from several local Republican leaders in support of her candidacy for Ohio’s 12th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

O’Brien is one of five Republicans who have declared their candidacy for the seat being vacated by Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township. Tiberi announced his retirement on Oct. 19. He said he’s leaving Congress to become head of the Ohio Business Roundtable.

The other GOP contenders for the 12th District seat are State Sen. Kevin Bacon of Minerva Park, State Sen. Troy Balderson of Zanesville, Columbus businessman Brandon Grisez, and Columbus real estate investor Jon Halverstadt.

Others who have expressed interest in running include Cathy Lyttle, vice president of communications and investor relations for Worthington Industries, and Clarence Mingo, who is the Franklin County Auditor.

Five Democrats are seeking the party nomination for the seat. The list includes Galena resident John Russell, Licking County businessman Ed Albertson, Newark public school teacher John Peters, Mansfield area resident Doug Wilson, and former Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott.

“With the current opioid crisis, the issues surrounding public safety and public health, it’s critical to have a representative that has been on the front line,” said Martin. “I’m confident that Carol O’Brien will be a voice for not only law enforcement, but the whole community on issues that impact our quality of life, while protecting our regional and national interest.”

O’Brien has served as the Delaware County Prosecutor since 2011. Before becoming the Delaware County Prosecutor, O’Brien was an Assistant Ohio Attorney General and Chief Counsel of the Ohio Organized Crime Commission. She has also served as a special prosecutor within the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

“I’m proud to have the support from such a strong and diverse group of leaders,” said O’Brien. “I’ve had the privilege of working in concert with our county’s elected officials over the years. They know me, and know that I will continue to fight for the values and ideas we share in Congress. I am thankful for their continued support as we move forward in this campaign.”

The deadline for candidates to file for the election is Feb. 7. The primary is scheduled for May 8. The 2018 general election is Nov. 6.